When it comes to travelling the world, many people gloss over the Middle East in favor of Europe, Asia or the Americas. This is done for a range of reasons, including the misconception that the Middle East is nothing more than barren dessert, or that it’s largely unsafe for tourists to visit. This is, generally speaking, untrue.
The Middle East is comprised of 18 countries which are as follows:
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- Palestine
- Lebanon
- Qatar
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- Jordan
- Egypt
- Iran
- Israel
- Kuwait
- Jordan
- Iraq
- Cyprus
- Bahrain
- Lebanon
- Yemen
Syria, Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan, Magrheb and Dijbouti may also be counted as part of the ‘Greater Middle East’. Some of these countries are unsafe and should be avoided, including:
- Iraq
- Somalia
- Afghanistan
- Syria
- Lebanon
Countries like Turkey, Jordan and Iran border more unsafe countries, and so for this reason, travelling close to the border isn’t advised, but that doesn’t make the countries as a whole unsafe. Generally speaking, the risks posed by travelling to the Middle East are no more than travelling anywhere else in the world. Typically, violent crime against foreigners is extremely low, and petty crime like theft is unlikely.
It is worth bearing in mind the different rules and laws across the Middle East if you’re going to ensure you don’t wind up in trouble, as breaking the rules is likely to be the biggest threat you face - and it’s completely avoidable. Most countries across the Middle East are predominantly conservative and require people to dress respectfully, so skirts, low cut tops and swimwear, as well as public displays of affection and the consumption of alcohol are advised against. As long as you stick to the rules, it’s unlikely that you’ll face any trouble of any kind, but make sure you make note of the laws and customs before you commence travel.
Now that we’ve established where in the Middle East is safe, here are five places you absolutely must see in the area.
#1 Nea Paphos - Cyprus
In the north of the Middle East lies the island of Cyprus. Dating back to the 10th millennium BC, the island is steeped in Neolithic history and is considered the base of Aphrodite who is thought to have settles in Paphos when she rose from the sea. The Tombs of the Kings is located in Neo Paphos and is a necropolis that dates back the fourth century BC. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which means it is protected by international law as a result of it’s nearly perfectly preserves ancient remains. The area is still under excavation, but it’s well worth a visit for those interested in history and culture.
#2 Istanbul – Turkey
Turkey is a wonderous country that straddles Europe and the Middle East, and the meeting of these two countries is cemented in the city of Istanbul. The Sultanahmet mosque is a divine sight on the skyline and sits amidst of unique bazaars. There’s much more to Turkey than just the tourist resorts of Bodrum. After a trip to Istanbul, you’ll never set foot in a tourist trap again, especially if you go during the great celebrations of Eid!
#3 Pyramids of Giza – Egypt
A list of must-see destinations in the Middle East would not be complete without the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The three pyramids were constructed over 4,500 years ago and were so well built that they’ve managed to remain almost entirely in tact during that time. The burial tombs of Pharaoh’s, the temples are a feat of engineering and ancient grandiosity which absolutely must be seen at least once in a lifetime.
#4 Nakhal Fort – Oman
The Nakhal Fort in Oman dates back to the 7th century but was reconstructed by Imam Said bin Sultan in 1834, and has since gone on to become one of the many jewels of Oman. Within the impressive structure sits a museum, as well as many historic artefacts which are open to the public. The fort offers panoramic views of the Batinah Plain due to the fact it is perfectly positioned atop a boulder from which it derives its unique shape.
#5 Petra – Jordan
Described by UNESCO as “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage”, Petra in southern Jordan is one of the most stunningly preserved ancient cities in the world. Carved from red rock which lends itself to the name “Rose City”, Petra is one of the most visited tourist sites in the Middle East, but it still only attracts around one million people per year, and it’s worthy of far more than that. The Treasury is the prime feature of Petra. The front façade resembles Greek architecture, but like the rest of Petra, it is only accessible by the Siq which is a narrow gorge leading to the city.
Will you be visiting any of these five wondrous Middle Eastern treasures?
